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Alerts & Notices

National Forest visitors are required to follow rules designed to protect the natural environment, ensure health and safety of visitors and promote pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreational experience for all. Forest Officers are empowered to enforce Federal Regulations applicable to National Forest use. The rules described in 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261 apply to all National Forests all the time.

Regional Foresters and Forest Supervisors may issue additional special orders closing or restricting the use of certain areas, if the need arises. These orders are posted at the closed area, on the forest webpage, and paper copies are available in Forest offices and Visitor Centers.

We are working on a gradual reopening of Lake Sherwood Recreation Area, but no timeline for this opening has been established. We anticipate that we will only open two loops at Lake Sherwood including West Shore and Cales Knoll, and services may be limited. We are working on cancelling reservations for the other loops. Please call our Marlinton office at 304-799-4334 for details.

The Lake Sherwood well is producing less than half the amount of water that is needed to run the water system at full capacity, and we do not anticipate that the well will be fully functioning this season. In addition, protecting the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, partners, recreation providers and the public is the primary concern in decisions to open or close recreation sites and services due to COVID-19. Decisions to reopen sites hinge on health and safety considerations, as reflected in CDC and State and local guidance.

We are working on a gradual reopening of Lake Sherwood Recreation Area, but no timeline for this opening has been established. We anticipate that we will only open two loops at Lake Sherwood including West Shore and Cales Knoll, and services may be limited. We are working on cancelling reservations for the other loops. Please call our Marlinton office at 304-799-4334 for details.

The Lake Sherwood well is producing less than half the amount of water that is needed to run the water system at full capacity, and we do not anticipate that the well will be fully functioning this season. In addition, protecting the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, partners, recreation providers and the public is the primary concern in decisions to open or close recreation sites and services due to COVID-19. Decisions to reopen sites hinge on health and safety considerations, as reflected in CDC and State and local guidance.

The Forest Service is taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously and is following USDA and CDC public health guidance as we continue to offer services to the public. Visitors to our National Forests and Grasslands are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are three official, government-wide sources of up-to-date information about the coronavirus: Coronavirus.gov, CDC.gov/coronavirus, and USA.gov/coronavirus.

The Forest Service is taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously and is following USDA and CDC public health guidance as we continue to offer services to the public. Visitors to our National Forests and Grasslands are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are three official, government-wide sources of up-to-date information about the coronavirus: Coronavirus.gov, CDC.gov/coronavirus, and USA.gov/coronavirus.

Williams River Road (Forest Road 86) will continue to be closed in 2020 to repair damage caused by the June 2016 flood. Federal Highway Administration contractors began repairs to the road in August 2019. Four major projects are expected to be completed by August 2023.

The road is closed to motorized use for 10 miles, just downstream from Tea Creek Campground to the Three Forks Bridge. Non-motorized use of the road (walking, bicycling, riding a horse, etc.) is allowed except where road construction activities are occurring and when that specific segment of road is closed by a sign, gate or barricade. The river bank is also closed to all use in the area where construction is actively taking place.

Williams River Road (Forest Road 86) will continue to be closed in 2020 to repair damage caused by the June 2016 flood. Federal Highway Administration contractors began repairs to the road in August 2019. Four major projects are expected to be completed by August 2023.

The road is closed to motorized use for 10 miles, just downstream from Tea Creek Campground to the Three Forks Bridge. Non-motorized use of the road (walking, bicycling, riding a horse, etc.) is allowed except where road construction activities are occurring and when that specific segment of road is closed by a sign, gate or barricade. The river bank is also closed to all use in the area where construction is actively taking place.

Construction on two sections of the Corridor H highway project near Parsons started in 2017 and is expected to continue through 2023. Visitors and residents are urged to use caution on roads and trails in the area, especially South Haddix Trail #126. Increased traffic, blasting, and heavy equipment may be present during construction.

Construction on two sections of the Corridor H highway project near Parsons started in 2017 and is expected to continue through 2023. Visitors and residents are urged to use caution on roads and trails in the area, especially South Haddix Trail #126. Increased traffic, blasting, and heavy equipment may be present during construction.

Sudden and severe thunderstorms are common in West Virginia. Forest visitors should check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Cell service is intermittent throughout Monongahela National Forest, plan ahead for a variety of conditions.

When storms occur, pay attention to your surroundings and your situation. Roads and bridges may be damaged by falling trees, downed powerlines, and other obstructions. Low-lying areas may be prone to flooding. Never drive through standing water.

Sudden and severe thunderstorms are common in West Virginia. Forest visitors should check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Cell service is intermittent throughout Monongahela National Forest, plan ahead for a variety of conditions.

When storms occur, pay attention to your surroundings and your situation. Roads and bridges may be damaged by falling trees, downed powerlines, and other obstructions. Low-lying areas may be prone to flooding. Never drive through standing water.

A small section of the Highland Scenic Highway has been reduced to one lane, just west of the Little Laurel Overlook, which could result in traffic delays. Drivers are urged to use caution while traveling the road, obey speed limits, and watch for slowed traffic and changes in the traffic pattern. For more information call 304-799-4334.

A small section of the Highland Scenic Highway has been reduced to one lane, just west of the Little Laurel Overlook, which could result in traffic delays. Drivers are urged to use caution while traveling the road, obey speed limits, and watch for slowed traffic and changes in the traffic pattern. For more information call 304-799-4334.

Conditions

The state of West Virginia Department of Transportation and Pendleton County in West Virginia each maintain road condition cameras that include roads popular with Monongahela National Visitors. These cameras are not maintained by the Forest Service, but can be used to assess conditions on the Forest prior to your visit.

The Dolly Sods Web camera system was installed in the Bearden Knob air quality monitoring compound in November 2003. The camera provides views of Canaan Valley and Mt. Port Crayon, 21 kilometers to the south. An aerosol sampler, ozone monitor and associated meteorological equipment are also located at the site.